'American Sniper' Is Not A Game

I have no desire to see the motion picture "American Sniper." It's not because I bear ill will against the late Chris Kyle, or that I do not recognize that his efforts saved many American lives, but it is my inheritance from my parents' World War II generation.

This "greatest generation" returned from war carrying pride in what they had accomplished, but also burdened by what they had seen and done in that conflict. Most, I think, were reluctant to talk about it, let alone write about it. When they were in their later years, historians like Steven Ambrose documented their oral histories, but most would never have volunteered their stories because that would be bragging.

Today, war has become a big industry in the area of gaming, with a wide range of subjects for people to vicariously experience combat such as the American Sniper Video Game, but without having to expose themselves to actual harm. Our nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, is even parodied in a Warfighter game.

These games turn the real-life sacrifices of our military into cheesy reproductions for the amusement of our youth, and is that acceptable to us as a nation? If these game producers were taking their profits and turning them over to reputable veteran assistance organizations that would be honorable and patriotic, but somehow I doubt that they do.